A. There is hereby created the Investigations Division within the Department of Corrections. The purpose of the Division shall be to investigate allegations of criminal acts by inmates, offenders or employees of the Department, as well as to investigate allegations of constitutional or policy violations.

B. The Director of the Department of Corrections shall employ the proper personnel and adopt the necessary procedures to carry out the duties of the Investigations Division and shall appoint a Director of the Division who shall administer the activities of the Division.

C. The Investigations Division of the Department of Corrections shall have the jurisdiction and authority to investigate all allegations of criminal behavior at any facility owned or operated by the Department, or any private prison facility or other facility with which the Department contracts to house inmates from the State of Oklahoma.

D. The Investigations Division shall have jurisdiction and authority to investigate any escape committed by prisoners under the custody and control of the Department of Corrections. If it is determined that a prisoner has escaped the custody of the Department, in violation of Section 443 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, the Department is authorized to issue a warrant for the arrest of the escapee and the warrant shall have the force and effect of any warrant of arrest issued by a district court in the state. Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of a district attorney to issue an arrest warrant for the escapee.

E. All officers, investigators, agents and immediate supervisory staff of listed positions assigned to the Investigations Division shall be deemed peace officers and shall possess the powers granted by law to peace officers. Officers, investigators, agents and supervisory staff of the Investigations Division shall meet all of the training and qualifications for peace officers required by Section 3311 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Added by Laws 2002, c. 88, § 1, eff. July 1, 2002. Amended by Laws 2016, c. 372, § 1; Laws 2019, c. 144, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.